Retired Air Force Staff Master Sergeant Robert P. Porter, 74, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died August 15, 2011 at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Brookline, NH on January 7, 1937, a son of the late Donald and Marguerite (Whitlock) Porter and attended Nashua High School.

Mr. Porter was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retiring January 31, 1976, with the rank of SMSGT. He was a highly decorated Air Force Combat veteran of the Cold and Vietnam Wars and had flown 5900 hours as a flight engineer. Bob was proud to serve his country and loved flying. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeant Association, Ricciardi Hartshorn Post #23 American Legion and Harley Sanford Post #4368 VFW, Milford.

Following his military retirement, he was employed by Nashua Corporation for 20 years and Chardon Rubber Company.

Mr. Porter loved his classic cars, winning many trophies at every car show attended. He was a member of National Antique Oldsmobile Club and N. E. Vintage Thunderbird Club. Bob was very proud to drive his fellow veterans in local parades and was a sponsor for the Honor Flight Program of New England.

Mr. Porter was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford.

He was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Patricia Signor Turner.

Family members include his wife, Janet (Lemay) Porter of Milford, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Todd Pease; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Jan Porter, Brian and Susan Porter, all of Westfield, MA; two stepchildren, Cindy Signor Labrie of Peterborough, NH, Jeffrey and Paula Signor of Clinton, MA; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; an uncle, Delbert Porter of Brookline, NH; many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Dr. Tisdale and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital Oncology Department and to the wonderful staff at the Community Hospice House for their kindness and support.

Memorial visiting hours are Thursday, August 18th from 4:00-8:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brookline, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Share Outreach, Inc., 1 Columbus Avenue, Milford, NH 03055 or Home, Health & Hospice Care, Community Hospice House, c/o Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.